Operation: 10 miler (weeks 4 & 5)

Boy am I glad I have a race planned. Otherwise I would not have gotten in a single run over the past two weeks. Knowing I have to run 10 miles in April really helps me dig down deep to find motivation. Life is busy :)

My training plan builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - builds for a couple weeks - then takes a big step back - etc. Week 4 had two 2 mile runs on the agenda. I skipped both. Life was crazy preparing for our annual Snowshoe trip and I knew missing these runs wouldn't throw my training off. Instead I spent 5 hours snowboarding on Thursday and I'd say my legs got plenty of exercise. I also hit the slopes Friday and Saturday but not for as long. I was shocked at how well my legs held up. Usually after a couple runs down Cupp or Shay's my legs are burning. We did 8 or 9 runs over there in a row and I felt great! I hope I feel this way in Utah next week :)

Last week wasn't much easier on my schedule. I did play indoor Thursday night - which went well until my shoe stuck and I ate it hard with 3 minutes left. My back has been aching ever since and I have sweet bruise on my elbow. I wasn't sure how the runs were going to happen. I squeezed in 4 miles Saturday evening between hosting a baby shower and drinks with the girls. I thought it best not to run my two longest distances back to back so ran the 5 miles Monday night. Technically rolling into the week 6 but I just want to get the miles in.

Both were treadmill runs and felt relatively easy - until the last 15 minutes or so. I have a little interval technique I use that makes the time fly. The first mile I run at a 10 minute pace to get warmed up - then I tackle 5 minutes at a time doing a 1 - 1 - 2 - 1 interval. I can do anything for one or two minutes :) Last night I ran 1 min at 6.1 (9:50), 1 min at 6.2 (9:40), 2 min at 6.4 (9.22), 1 min at 6.0 (10:00) - then repeated 8 times. My time for the final 4 miles was 38:30 - which for a 10 minute miler felt great! I'm even more impressed I was able to drag myself to the gym at 8pm. I look forward to the day when I can get back to watch the sunrise during my morning runs :)

Wow - I'm halfway through training!

swinging

Sunday was a beautiful day and we took a break from 'getting things done' to see how Roo would like the park.

The swings were a hit. He had his normal "no expression I'm focused on takin' it all in" face on so we did what any good parent focused on capturing first memories would do and made crazy noises to coax some grins out of him!

He was a little less excited about the slide - mostly confused :) We'll need to work on that.

After the park Daddy took Roo on a daddy date to Lowes and to pick up ribs & wings for the big game while I went on my 4 mile run. Believe it or not the run was relaxing. I enjoyed the mommy break & glad the boys got some bonding time!

Operation: 10 miler (week 3)

Week 3 is in the books. Only 7 more to go! ugh.

I'm holding steady with 4 workouts per week - which has me pretty thrilled considering how hectic life is right now! I can totally see the benefits from making the time for exercise though. Helping me plan my days better, getting out of the house, a break from 'mommyhood', PLUS I get exercise! I'm a happier person.

Tuesday's 3 mile run ended up happening at the gym. I try to keep myself entertained on the treadmill by changing up my speed every minute or two. Makes the time go by faster. The first two miles I did 2 min at 6mph then 1 min at 5.8 - repeat. The final mile I pushed a little harder and alternated between 6mph and 6.1 - I know BIG difference :) I actually spent about 7 minutes at the 6.1 pace. It felt good. I followed the run up with some grapevines and shuffle steps on the indoor track. Trying to strengthen my hip muscles - it taking them a while to recover from the childbearing stress.

By now you should know I'm not aiming for speed - just to complete each training run and complete the 10 mile run at the end. By 'complete' I mean without walking :) Each long run is one step closer to that goal. Today was the first time I've run 4 miles in a LONG LONG TIME. Maybe 2 years. And it felt GOOD. Granted my time was 43 minutes so I definitely didn't push myself. But gosh darn-it there are nothing but hills around here. The first two miles were 10:15ish. The final mile included a 1/2 mile CLIMB. I didn't feel my legs telling me to JUST STOP until the last 1/4 mile. I finished with a smile on my face. What a beautiful day to enjoy the fresh air too!

Once indoor is over I plan to add an interval day and see if I can't get a little bit of speed back :) (maybe 'speed' isn't the correct term)

The swim was good. Soccer was eh. I've lost a lot of muscle in my legs and it sucks stinks (sorry mom!). I feel like I can't even kick the ball sometimes. It's sad. Need to do lots of strengthening and passing before outdoor begins. My hips are KILLING me with all the cutting side to side as well. I'm not really sure what the best fix for this is? I guess they'll get better the more I play :)

My training program increases weekly for 3 weeks and then takes a step back! Woohoo. This will be a light week for running. Only one 2 mile run! The real workout will be 3 days of Snowboarding this weekend. I'm so stoked to spend 4 days with our friends on the mtn!

this is how I roll.

Roo was sporting a special outfit yesterday in honor of a big event this weekend!

I found him staring up at me after a nap on Sunday -- he's a tummy napper.

We've had a SUPER fun time this week with naps. I lay him down. He flips over. He cries. Hopefully he won't take long to adjust to sleeping on his back unswaddled!

He's a little shy and only performs this trick when no one is watching :(

I swear he grows daily - but I have a feeling this next month is going to be an explosion of change. Sitting Up, Mobility, Teeth?, Solids?.... good times!

Operation: 10 miler (week 2)

Not a whole lot to report. My total mileage went from 2 to 4. Woot! The runs are NOT easy - but they aren't impossible either. I have a 4 miler coming up this weekend - that will be a great test!

The one lingering issue from pregnancy is my hips! Running in a straight line isn't so bad - but playing soccer or any other side to side movement = pain! I'm trying to incorporate some plyometrics, grapevine, and shuffle steps to help strengthen the hip joints. Crossing my fingers that works!

Aside from my two runs I managed two cross training days - swimming and soccer. I'm very happy to find time for 4 workouts in a week. That seems to be a good balance right now. More than that and it all might come crashing down! A little part of me really wants to find the time for pilates, squats, and lunges though. Snowboarding is going to KICK MY ARSE. Plus my core needs major work!

Highlight of the week was definitely my run on Saturday. The weather was BEAUTIFUL! Plus it was followed up by dinner and quality time with two girlfriends I don't see nearly enough!

solids.

We're coming up on one of those big parenting decisions. Solids. When, What, How. I'm not so keen on needing to cross this bridge the day Roo turns 6 mos old. I figure as long as he's still thriving (growing well and sleeping well) on breast milk there's no need to rush into anything. BUT I do want to have a game plan for when that time comes! I've just been putting it off.

Interesting timing with this piece on GMA this morning.



This thought has already crossed my mind. If I'm feeding myself whole grains and whole foods - why not feed the same to my baby. Now I just need to find a couple recipes to have on hand :)

overheard at our house. salsa.

T. Aren't ingredients listed in order of quantity - greatest to least?
J. Yes.
T. You know the second ingredient in that salsa we love is sugar.
J. At least it's not HFCS :)

(swiped from a google image search - credit)

This is the #1 item on my Trader Joe's list and I buy it in bulk! (like 10 jars at a time - seriously) I don't care how much sugar it has in it - it's staying on the list :) I'll just have to work on the 'moderation' part.

Operation: 10 miler (week 1)

The baby weight came off pretty easily - yay breastfeeding! Currently I'm down 5lbs (maybe more) from my pre-baby weight. Hallelujah for my jeans fitting better than they did pre-baby! BUT - I'm not in shape and I don't feel strong.

I've been able to fit in a work out here and there - but nothing consistent. T & I have signed up for the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run in April which is my motivation to stick to a training plan. I'm relying on Hal Higdon to get me ready once again.

I'm happy with how Week 1 went. I made time for two 2 mile runs, masters swimming, and two indoor soccer games. I figure soccer can take the place of one of my runs until the season is over.

I'm also trying to work in a couple core workouts and some squats/lunges to help prepare my legs for our snowboarding trips. These will be bonus. Great if they happen - but not going to stress myself right now. Just getting my runs in will be a huge success!

I've finally created a Training Peaks account to log my workouts. Hopefully I'll be able to look back over they year and see some improvement. Plus who doesn't love looking back over stats and running reports. Hmm - maybe that's just the geek in me :)

Crazy most of my workouts are now happening in the evenings. I do miss 6am :) I look forward to enjoying my mornings workouts again one day!

We heart eggs

It's somewhat ridiculous how many eggs we go through in a week. I'm not sure how anyone can get bored with eggs for breakfast - it's fun to open up the veggie drawer and create!

Thanks for the inspiration Life As A Plate! AndreAnna posted this recipe earlier in the month - Acorn Squash Breakfast Hash. I adapted with what we had on hand.



Sweet Potato, Onion, Zucchini & Deli Turkey topped with an ooey gooey over medium egg! Delish.

I'm looking forward to making AndreAnna's Butternut Squash and Parnsip Hashbrowns this weekend. I pretty much want to make every recipe she posts!

Butternut Squash

I'm not sure why - but we've made two butternut squash soups over the past week.

I stumbled upon this recipe by typing the ingredients we had on hand. Apple Squash Soup A little on the sweet side. I liked - but might try to add a little something to balance out the sweet next time.

This I found in my 'printed to make at some point' stack. Southwestern Squash Soup IMO this was the better of the two. I added a can of green chilies - because they are yummy! Just enough of that SW bite. Yum Yum - Can't wait for lunch tomorrow!

What are you cooking to keep warm?